Major Road Cracks Force Shutdown on Dhanbad-Ranchi Highway
In a concerning development, multiple surface cracks emerged on the Dhanbad-Ranchi main road early Wednesday morning, leading authorities to immediately close the busy arterial stretch and divert all traffic. The incident, which occurred around 8 am, saw the road surface sink by nearly 2 feet at the center, triggering widespread panic among daily commuters and local residents.
Immediate Response and Traffic Management
Witnesses reported that several cracks developed along the highway, raising serious alarms about potential further subsidence. Given that this road is a key route with heavy vehicular movement throughout the day, the situation was deemed highly alarming. Kenduadih police swiftly reached the spot, cordoning off the affected area and erecting barricades to prevent any traffic movement. As a temporary measure, traffic was rerouted through a nearby link road to minimize disruption.
Kenduadih police station officer in-charge Pramod Pandey confirmed that the incident had been reported to Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) and the district administration. "The situation is being closely monitored. Considering safety concerns, a decision may be taken to permanently close this portion of the road if required," he stated, highlighting the gravity of the structural issues.
Local Allegations and Historical Context
Local residents and public representatives have accused BCCL of deliberately neglecting the area to pressure people into vacating. Dinnath Thakur, a resident of Kendua, expressed frustration, saying, "We are ready for rehabilitation, but our demands are not being met. Such incidents only increase our fears," and held BCCL officials responsible for the road collapse.
This incident adds to a series of safety woes in the region. Over the past few months, the area has reported toxic gas leaks that have claimed three lives, intensifying concerns over living conditions. The road collapse has further exacerbated fears about the stability and safety of the locality.
BCCL's Statement and Technical Assessment
BCCL issued a statement expressing deep concern for public safety. The company revealed that during a routine inspection on Wednesday, its colliery management observed multiple surface cracks on NH-32 near the old GM bungalow at Kenduadih. Notably, this is the same location where a gas emission was reported on December 3, 2025.
According to BCCL, fire-induced subsidence initially developed on the bungalow premises on April 5 and later spread to nearby shops. The area has already been declared geotechnically unstable by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), underscoring the persistent risks.
To address these critical issues, BCCL has engaged IIT(ISM) Dhanbad to conduct a detailed geotechnical study and recommend long-term remedial measures. Officials assured that continuous monitoring is underway to prevent any further deterioration and ensure community safety.
